What are the most successful teacher mentoring programs from around the world?

1 Japan: Lesson Study

Lesson study is a collaborative process of planning, observing, and reflecting on a lesson with a group of teachers. The goal is to improve the quality of instruction and student learning. In Japan, lesson study is a common and valued practice for both novice and veteran teachers. Teachers form teams based on their grade level, subject, or interest, and choose a research theme or question to explore. They design a research lesson, which is taught by one of the team members and observed by the others. The observers collect data on student responses, behaviors, and learning. After the lesson, the team discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the lesson, and how it can be improved. The revised lesson is then taught by another team member and observed again. This cycle of planning, teaching, observing, and reflecting can be repeated several times until the team reaches a satisfactory outcome. Lesson study allows teachers to learn from each other, share best practices, and develop a deeper understanding of their students and curriculum.

3 Finland: Peer Group Mentoring

Peer group mentoring is a form of mentoring that involves a group of teachers who meet regularly to discuss their professional issues and experiences. The group is usually facilitated by a trained mentor, who guides the conversation and ensures that everyone has a chance to participate. The group members share their challenges, successes, and questions, and offer each other advice, feedback, and encouragement. Peer group mentoring can help teachers to cope with stress, develop their skills and knowledge, and build trust and collegiality. In Finland, peer group mentoring is widely used as a form of induction for new teachers, who are required to join a peer group for their first two years of teaching. The peer groups meet at least once a month, and cover topics such as classroom management, curriculum planning, assessment, and student welfare.

4 Singapore: Clinical Practice

Clinical practice is a term that refers to the close supervision and guidance that mentors provide to their mentees in the classroom. The mentors observe the mentees' teaching, provide feedback, model best practices, co-teach, and facilitate reflection. The mentors also help the mentees to plan lessons, analyze student data, and set professional goals. Clinical practice is based on the idea that teaching is a complex and dynamic skill that requires ongoing practice and refinement. In Singapore, clinical practice is a key component of the teacher mentoring program, which assigns every new teacher to a mentor for their first three years of teaching. The mentors are selected based on their expertise, experience, and interpersonal skills, and receive training and support from the Ministry of Education.

5 Canada: Triad Mentoring

Triad mentoring is a form of mentoring that involves three participants: a mentor, a mentee, and a peer observer. The mentor and the mentee work together to improve the mentee's teaching, while the peer observer provides an additional perspective and feedback. The triad mentoring process consists of four stages: pre-observation, observation, post-observation, and reflection. In the pre-observation stage, the mentor and the mentee discuss the objectives, expectations, and focus of the observation. In the observation stage, the mentor and the peer observer watch the mentee's teaching and take notes. In the post-observation stage, the triad meets to debrief and share feedback. In the reflection stage, the mentee writes a reflection on their learning and action plan. Triad mentoring can enhance the quality and diversity of feedback, as well as the trust and collaboration among teachers. In Canada, triad mentoring is used in some provinces and territories as part of the teacher induction program.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?